The first tsunami waves have already struck Alaska, Japan, and Russia following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Pacific. The world’s largest in 14 years, the earthquake has also prompted warnings and evacuations across the region.
Damage was reported in eastern Russia, where tremors shook buildings and damaged a local kindergarten. The port town of Severo-Kurilsk was flooded as well. No injuries have been reported so far, but a state of emergency has been declared in the Kuril Islands.
The tsunami was expected to hit Hawaii at 7:17 p.m. local time, but nothing has been reported yet. Water was seen receding into the sea on webcams at approximately 7:30 p.m., suggesting that waves are soon to arrive. Netizens report a buzz on the Hawaii coast, with one user describing "a lot of people" on their balconies "hooting and cheering in anticipation."
30 cm (1 foot) waves strike northern Japan, with more on the way
Image credits: USGS
Image credits: CNBC-TV18
The first waves to hit Japan’s northern coast in Hokkaido were measured at 30 cm (1 foot). Officials anticipate the waves growing in the coming hours, and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center stated that waves of up to three meters (almost 10 feet) above tide level were possible in Hawaii, Chile, Japan, and the Solomon Islands. Russia and Ecuador may see even higher surges.
As a result, Japan has issued evacuation orders covering 1.9 million people along its eastern Pacific coast. In Tokyo, the government has urged people to stay away from the sea. Workers at the Fukushima nuclear plant, which suffered damage in the 2011 tsunami, leading to a major nuclear disaster, were evacuated.
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The tsunami is expected to reach parts of the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska, and California, where officials are urging people to evacuate
Image credits: KATU News
In the United States, the National Weather Service has issued a tsunami warning for Hawaii, parts of Alaska, and the Northern California coast, as well as advisories for much of the west coast, including Oregon and California. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi urged people to “get to higher ground.” Additionally, the Disney resort on Oahu warned guests to stay on floors three and above.
Flights in Hawaii have been grounded, and the National Guard is on standby to assist with medical evacuation and recovery efforts. The US Coast Guard has ordered ships to leave Hawaii ports. Emergency shelters have been opened for evacuees.
Los Angeles Major Karen Bass urged residents to “stay alert” and assured that emergency officials were ready to respond. Police and fire battalions in coastal areas are on standby.
Helicopters were seen along the LA coast using loudspeakers to warn boaters and beachgoers.
Waves are expected to reach the area around 1 a.m. local time.
Image credits: Guardian News
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Mexico and Central American countries have issued alerts stretching from Ensenada in Baja California down the coast to Panama.
In South America, alerts have been issued in Chile, Peru, and Ecuador. The Ecuadorian government has evacuated the Galápagos Islands.
On the other side of the Pacific, New Zealand warned of “strong and unusual currents and unpredictable surges” along the coast. Australia reported no threat of a tsunami.
Image credits: NOAA
Image credits: CNBC-TV18
The earthquake occurred in the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area geologically prone to tectonic activity like earthquakes and volcanoes
Image credits: NWSEureka
Image credits: CNBC-TV18
According to the United States Geological Survey, tsunamis can be triggered by large earthquakes in or near the ocean, volcanic eruptions, submarine landslides, and onshore landslides where enough debris falls into the sea to trigger a wave.
Despite popular belief, tsunamis are rarely single waves but instead consist of multiple waves with powerful currents. They do not crest or break like wind-generated waves. Rather, they behave like a “fast-moving tide” that rushes inland, flooding coastal areas. These waves can continue for hours.
Image credits: Associated Press\
If you see a tsunami, it is likely too late to outrun it. As a result, the US National Weather Service urges residents to follow instructions from officials.
Under a tsunami warning, evacuation is recommended. Move to high ground and as far inland as possible.
Under a tsunami advisory, stay away from the beach and waterways. These may experience flooding.
Under a tsunami watch, stay tuned for more information.
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